Selected employees of the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD) of the BARMM attended the Last Friday of Ramadhan Fora 2021 spearheaded by the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) and was held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC), Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City on May 7, 2021.

Following the theme “Nourishing Spiritual Wellness and Bringing Ourselves Closest to Allah”, the forum had Director General of MHSD Esmael W. Ebrahim as the first resource speaker who shared his knowledge on the topic “Ramadhan, binago mo ba ako? (Ramadhan, did you change me?)”.

Director General Ebrahim’s lecture highlighted the characteristics of Muttaqeen, which means a pious or virtuous Muslim, that can be a basis to assess if Ramadhan indeed changed one’s faith significantly.

“If we have learned from Ramadhan and be able to internalize and apply those learnings even after this Holy Month, then Ramadhan changed us”, Director General Ebrahim said.

The second lecturer of the forum was Secretary General of Hay-ato Ulama El-Muslimina Bil-Filibbeen Inc. Sheikh Abdulhadie Bin Al-Shaheed Gumander who discussed the topic “Karanasan ko sa Ramadhan, saan mo ako dadalhin? (My experiences in Ramadhan, where will you take me?)”.

Sheikh Gumander gave details on the meanings of Taqwa which he enumerated as fear of Allah, enjoining the revelations and decrees from the Almighty, being grateful and content for everything, and preparing for the Hereafter.

Sheikh Gumander said that anyone who developed strong taqwa through Ramadhan, will bring it to his/her destination in the Hereafter.

Chairperson of BWC MP Hadja Bainon G. Karon expressed her gratitude to the participation of all the ministries. She hoped all participants will reflect and live with the learnings acquired from the series of Ramadhan Fora.

BWC Consultant Ustadza Anisa Taha-Arab facilitated the commitment setting from the GAD focal person of each ministry. Ustadza Arab asked the representatives to share their learnings from the fora and identify ways of applying those in support to moral governance.

MHSD’s Information Officer III Salembai A. Abdullah then shared her commitment to religiously perform her obligations to the Almighty Allah which she has started during the month of Ramadhan. She also committed to be more righteous and faithful to her job as part of advocating moral governance.

The forum was then concluded by a closing du’a by Ustadz Abdulmunaim Yacob.